IJSTE - International Journal of Science Technology & Engineering | Volume 1 | Issue 11 | May 2015

ISSN (online): 2349-784X

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and

Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
Miteshkumar Bharatbhai Patel
PG Student
Department of Applied Mechanics
L D College of Engineering

Dr. M. V. Shah
Assistant Professor
Department of Applied Mechanics
L D College of Engineering

Abstract
Propagation of hair cracks, existing fissures into a rock mass is most common process associated in mining and tunneling
operation. The propagation of these features cracks or widening joints into a rock mass can be simulated into common approach
known as matrix formation into rock mass. This research study is an attempt to overcome this deficiency by postulating both
longitudinal and transverse cracks with wide range of degree of orientation, fissures into cylindrical rock specimen through
various specified geometrical rock matrix patterns. Limestone and Dolomite which comes under a category of soft to medium
hard strength where used for this study using microfine cement as a binder material to obtain strength characteristics and failure
mechanisms. Also it is intended to determine modulus of elasticity (secant modulus) for various rock matrix and its comparison
with intact rocks specimens. Series of triaxial test and compression test were carried out for both type of rock specimen using
automated triaxial conventional testing machine. The results indicate that there is a considerable effect of rock matrix and its
orientation both on shear parameters and failure mechanisms as compared to intact rock specimen.
Keywords: Rock Matrix, StressStrain Curves, Tri-Axial Test, Jointed Specimens, Microfine Cement
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I. INTRODUCTION
For practical purposes, rock mechanics is mostly concerned with rock on the scale that appears in engineering and mining work,
and so it might be regarded as the study of the properties and behavior of accessible rock due to changes in stresses or other
conditions. Two distinct problems are always involved: (i) The study of the orientations and properties of the joints, and (ii) The
study of the properties and fabric of the rock between the joints. Joints are the most significant discontinuities in rocks. Joints are
breaks of geological origin along which there has been no visible relative displacement. A group of parallel or sub-parallel joints
is called a joint set, and joint sets intersect to form a joint system. The propagation of these features cracks or widening joints
into a rock mass can be simulated into common approach as, matrix formation in to rock mass. Sedimentary rocks often contain
two sets of joints approximately orthogonal to each other and to the bedding planes. These joints sometimes end at bedding
planes, but others, called master joints, may cross several bedding planes. Some research works are required in the area of rock
matrix. There is no general equation that exists, which adequately defines completely matrix properties of all types of rock. This
property varies from rock to rock and other factors also.Resist the thrust generated by the excavation. focuses has been made
towards rock matrixes, thats why efforts has been made to study the behavior of different rock matrix of different patterns which
actually simulates crack and joints patterns when rock mass is under stress due any external disturbance. The different types of
matrixes are available on site such as (1) Polyhedral block (2) Equidimensional block (3) Prismatic block (4) Tabular block (5)
Rhombohedral block (6) Columnar block.

Fig. 1: Types of Matrix

In present investigation two types of rock viz. Millionite limestone and Dolomite are used for laboratory investigation to know
the shear and compression capacity of this rock samples with three simplest matrix pattern are used viz. (1) single vertical cut
(90), (2) one vertical and one horizontal cut at H/2, (3) one vertical and two horizontal cut at H/3 are adopted (Figure 3). The
microfine cement is used as binding material to join this rock matrix for testing purpose.

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

114

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

Fig. 2: Cylindrical Sample under Confining Pressure

Fig. 3: Matrix Pattern

II. MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

A. Rock Sample:
Source of the Millionite limestone and Dolomite was procured commercially from Saurashtra coastal area, and Chotta udaipur,
Baroda, Gujarat respectively.
B. Test Methodology:
The rock triaxial test is performed according to IS-13047-2010 and shear parameters are obtained for three different confining
pressures viz. 3, 5 & 7 N/mm2 for the intact and for different rock matrix pattern specimens of Millionite limestone & Dolomite
at the constant strain rate of 0.315 mm/min. The usual procedure for conducting a tri-axial compression test is first to apply the
confining pressure 3 all around the cylinder is held constant & then to apply axial load 1 (Figure 2). Through plunger vertical
load is applied which causes failure in the sample.

III. LABORATORY TESTING

A. Index Properties:
Cylindrical samples having 54mm diameter and 108mm height was obtained in accordance with IS 13030-1991 as shown in
table 1, 2, 3, 4.
Index properties of Millionite limestone:
1) Before Jointing:

Fig. 4: Intact Rock

Fig. 5: 1-Vertical Cut

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

115

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

Fig. 6: 1-Vertical and 1-Horizontal Cut at H/2

Fig. 7: 1-Vertical and 2-Horizontal Cut At H/2

2) After Jointing:

Fig. 8: 1-Vertical Cut

3)

Fig. 9: 1-Vertical and 1-Horizontal Cut at H/2

Fig. 10: 1-Vertical And 2-Horizontal Cut At H/2

Table - 1 Index Properties of Millionite Limestone with Binding Material

Type of matrix Sample no.
Water content
Void ratio
Density
w = (Mw/Ms)*100 (%) e =Vv/Vs =M/V (kN/m3)
13
0.30
0.10
2115
Intact rock
14
0.20
0.11
2118
15
0.20
0.10
2141
4
2.09
0.12
1972
1- vert. cut
5
1.90
0.12
2094
6
2.05
0.13
2026
7
4.51
0.14
2051
1-vert.
8
4.39
0.14
2031
1-horiz. Cut
9
4.60
0.13
2023
10
5.77
0.16
2004
1-vert.
11
5.90
0.16
2006
2-horiz. Cut
12
5.70
0.15
2007
Index properties of Millionite limestone without binding material
Type of matrix Sample no.
Water content
Void ratio
Density
w = (Mw/Ms)*100 (%) e =Vv/Vs =M/V (kN/m3)
16
2.10
0.13
2000
1- vert. cut
17
1.97
0.14
2135
1- vert. cut
18
2.12
0.14
2083
19
4.28
0.10
2000
1-vert.
20
4.62
0.11
2090
1-horiz. cut
21
4.50
0.11
2034
22
5.75
0.14
2045
1-vert.
23
5.80
0.16
2063
2-horiz. cut
24
5.98
0.20
2097
Index properties of Dolomite:
Before Jointing:

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

116

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

Fig. 11: Intact Rock

Fig. 13: 1-Vertical and 1-Horizontal Cut at H/2

4)

Fig. 12: 1-Vertical Cut

Fig. 14: 1-Vertical and 2-Horizontal Cut At H/2

After Jointing:

Fig. 8: 1-Vertical Cut

Fig. 9: 1-Vertical and 1-Horizontal Cut at H/2

Fig. 10: 1-Vertical and 2-Horizontal Cut At H/2

Table - 2
Index Properties of Dolomite
Index properties of Dolomite using cement as a binding material
Type of matrix Sample no.
Water content
Void ratio
Density
w = (Mw/Ms)*100 (%) e =Vv/Vs =M/V (kN/m3)
51
0.35
0.017
2492
Intact rock
52
0.35
0.017
2496
53
0.35
0.022
2471
54
0.50
0.020
2485
1- vert. cut
55
0.53
0.018
2476
56
0.54
0.023
2476
57
0.60
0.023
2449
1-vert.
58
0.62
0.014
2454
1-horiz. cut
59
0.65
0.021
2442
60
0.70
0.024
2411
1-vert.
61
0.73
0.025
2435
2-horiz. cut
62
0.68
0.025
2437
Index properties of Dolomite without using cement as a binding material
Type of matrix Sample no.
Water content
Void ratio
Density
w = (Mw/Ms)*100 (%) e =Vv/Vs =M/V (kN/m3)
1- vert. cut
63
0.40
0.020
2475

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

117

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

1-vert.
1-horiz. cut
1-vert.
2-horiz. cut

64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71

0.35
0.35
0.48
0.50
0.54
0.73
0.72
0.73

0.021
0.020
0.023
0.021
0.024
0.026
0.025
0.024

2487
2473
2452
2445
2447
2439
2430
2441

B. Strength of Cubes:
The Unconfined compressive strength and Compressive strength of microfine cement + 3% sodium silicate slurry is obtained by
casting cylindrical cubes and 70*70mm square respectively in accordance with IS 9143:1979 and results are obtained which is
shown in table 5. For U.C.S and Compression test microfine cement + 3% sodium silicate slurry has high strength then without
sodium silicate as per table 5.

Sample no.
1
2
3

Table - 3
Compressive Strength of U.C.S and Compression Test
Compressive strength of binder material (microfine cement) 7 day(N/mm2)
U.C.S
70 X 70mm square cube
With 3% sodium silicate Without sodium silicate With 3% sodium silicate Without sodium silicate
0.245
0.204
1.09
0.94
0.245
0.163
1.17
0.87
0.286
0.163
0.95
0.86

IV. ANALYSIS OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A. Mohrs Circles:

Fig. 4: Mohrs Circles for Millionite Limestone Using Binding Material

Fig. 5: Mohrs Circles for Millionite Limestone without Binding Material

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

118

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

Fig. 6: Mohrs Circles for Dolomite Using Microfine Cement as Binding Material

Fig. 7: Mohrs Circles for Dolomite without Binding Material

Table - 4
Cohesion (C) and Internal Friction Angle ()
Matrix
pattern

Millionite
limestone

With binding
material
Without
binding
material

Types
of rock

With binding
material
Dolomite
Without
binding
material

c (N/mm2)
()
E (N/mm2)
Compressive strength
(N/mm2)
c (N/mm2)
()
E (N/mm2)
c (N/mm2)
()
E (N/mm2)
Compressive strength
(N/mm2)
c (N/mm2)
()
E (N/mm2)

5.8
30
1195.48

1-vert
1-horiz.
Cut
3.2
33
696.82

1-vert.
2-horiz.
Cut
0.9
34
632.80

29.05

9
24
1123.43

4.9
13
757.52
6
29
1064.61

2.8
15
747.76
2.7
31
837.21

0.4
23
421.53
1.1
33
738.96

80.18

5.4
21
840.06

2
24
631.52

0.6
28
610.06

Intact
rock

1-vert.
cut

7.3
26
1271.65

From the above table it is observed that for the Millionite limestone if we use cement as a binding material then as the no. of
joints increasing viz. intact, 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in
cohesion (c) is observed as 20.54%, 56.16%, 87.67% respectively, the percentage increment in internal friction angle () is
observed as 15.38%, 26.92%, 30.76% respectively, the percentage decrement in Modulus of elasticity (E) is observed as
5.98%,45.20%, 50.23% respectively with respect to intact rock, & if we dont use cement as a binding material then the
percentage decrement in c is observed as 42.85%, 91.30% respectively, the percentage increment in internal friction angle () is
observed as 15.38%, 76.92% respectively, the percentage decrement in Modulus of elasticity (E) is observed as 27.69%, 44.35%
respectively with respect to 1-vertical cut.
From the above table it is observed that for the Dolomite if we use cement as a binding material then as the no. of joints
increasing viz. intact, 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in cohesion
(c) is observed as 33.33%, 70%, 87.67% respectively, the percentage increment in internal friction angle () is observed as
20.83%, 29.16%, 37.5% respectively, the percentage decrement in Modulus of elasticity (E) is observed as 5.23%, 25.47%,
34.22% respectively with respect to intact rock, if we dont use cement as a binding material then as the no. of joints increasing
viz.1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in cohesion c is observed as
62.96%, 88.88% respectively & the percentage decrement in internal friction angle ()14.28%, 33.33%, respectively, the
percentage decrement in Modulus of elasticity (E) is observed as 24.82%, 20.23% respectively with respect to 1-vertical cut.
All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

119

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

B. Stress-Strain Curves:

Fig. 8: Comparison of Jointed Millionite Limestone Matrix Pattern at 3 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the jointed Millionite limestone at 3 N/mm 2 confining pressure, as
the no. of joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in
stress with respect to intact rock is observed as 13.64%, 51.13%, 66.77% respectively.

Fig. 9: Comparison of Jointed Millionite Limestone Matrix Pattern at 5 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the jointed Millionite limestone at 5 N/mm2 confining pressure, as
the no. of joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in
stress with respect to intact rock is observed as 6.17%, 42.83%, 55.74% respectively.

Fig. 10: Comparison of Jointed Millionite Limestone Matrix Pattern at 7 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the jointed Millionite limestone at 7 N/mm2 confining pressure, as the no. of joints
increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in stress with respect to intact rock is
observed as 2.06%, 38.04%, 46.74% respectively.

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

120

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

Fig. 11: Comparison of Not Jointed Millionite Limestone Matrix Pattern at 3 N/Mm
From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the not jointed Millionite limestone at 3 N/mm2 confining pressure, as the no. of
joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in stress with respect to 1vertical cut is observed as 14.63%, 72.56%, respectively.

Fig. 12: Comparison of Not Jointed Millionite Limestone Matrix Pattern at 5 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the not jointed Millionite limestone at 5 N/mm2 confining pressure,
as the no. of joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in
stress with respect to 1-vertical cut is observed as 7.13%, 57.67%, respectively.

Fig. 13: Comparison of Not Jointed Millionite Limestone Matrix Pattern at 7 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the not jointed Millionite limestone at 7 N/mm 2 confining pressure,
as the no. of joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in
stress with respect to 1-vertical cut is observed as 6.92%, 47.10%, respectively.

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

121

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

Fig. 14: Comparison of Jointed Dolomite Matrix Pattern at 3 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the jointed Dolomite at 3 N/mm 2 confining pressure, as the no. of
joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in stress with
respect to intact rock is observed as 17.58%, 51.57%, 68.39% respectively.

Fig. 15: Comparison of Jointed Dolomite Matrix Pattern at 5 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the jointed Dolomite at 5 N/mm2 confining pressure, as the no. of
joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in stress with
respect to intact rock is observed as 12.75%, 43.53%, 54.91% respectively.

Fig. 16: Comparison of Jointed Dolomite Matrix Pattern at 7 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the jointed Dolomite at 7 N/mm2 confining pressure, as the no. of joints increasing
1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in stress with respect to intact rock is observed as
11.70%, 33.68%, 47.10% respectively.

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

122

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

Fig. 17: Comparison of Not Jointed Dolomite Matrix Pattern at 3 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the not jointed Dolomite at 3 N/mm2 confining pressure, as the no.
of joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in stress with
respect to 1-vertical cut is observed as 16.65%, 62.04%, respectively.

Fig. 18: Comparison of Not Jointed Dolomite Matrix Pattern at 5 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the not jointed Millionite limestone at 5 N/mm 2 confining pressure,
as the no. of joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in
stress with respect to 1-vertical cut is observed as 44.26%, 50.63%, respectively.

Fig. 19: Comparison of Not Jointed Dolomite Matrix Pattern at 7 N/Mm

From the above stress-strain curves it is observed that for the not jointed Millionite limestone at 7 N/mm 2 confining pressure,
as the no. of joints increasing 1-vertical, 1-vertical & 1-horizontal, 1-vertical & 2-horizonatal cut, the percentage decrement in
stress with respect to 1-vertical cut is observed as 9.43%, 41.73%, respectively.

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

123

Strength Characteristics for Limestone and Dolomite Rock Matrix using Tri-Axial System
(IJSTE/ Volume 1 / Issue 11 / 020)

V. REASONS
The most noteworthy seen from stress-strain curve is the occurrence of the downward concave behavior in the early stages of
loading indicating the development of non-uniform normal stresses. The failure has been observed instantaneously because the
failure of intact rocks can be identified as brittle material.

VI. CONCLUSION
The above study reveals that value of cohesion (c) is observed to be decreasing while angle of internal frication angle () is
increasing with increases in number of joints. The Normal stress is found to be decreasing as numbers of joints are increasing.
Strength of jointed rock is dependent on the direction of applied loading with respect to orientation of joints. In jointed rock
specimen the failure is observed in terms of hair cracks surrounding the jointed rock area where as in unjointed specimen the
failure is observed in terms of broken pieces of specimen. The strength of the rock specimen jointed by microfine cement is
higher than the unjointed specimen. The load carrying of vertical cut specimen is higher than the horizontal cut specimen and
also with increase in number of horizontal cut the load carrying capacity of specimen decreases. Observed that shear angle was
dependent on confining pressure and the spacing of joint in the specimen.

REFERENCES
[1]

Arza J., Alejano L.R., & Walton G. (2014). Strength and dilation of jointed granite specimens in triaxial test. International Journal of Rock Mechanics &
Mining Sciences, Science direct, vol. 69, 93104.
[2] Ghazvinian A., Hadei M.R., et al. (2013), Shear behavior of inherently anisotropic rocks, International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences,
Science direct- Elsevier, vol. 61, 96110..
[3] He Manchao, Nie Wena, et al. (2011), Micro and macro-fractures of coarse granite under true-tri-axial unloading condition, Mining Science and
Technology (China), Science direct-elsevier, vol. 21, 389394.
[4] Mikael Rinne (2010), Fracture mechanics and subcritical crack Growth approach in brittle rock, International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining
Sciences, Science direct, vol. 20, 551 -706.
[5] Tetsuya Tokiwa, Makoto Matsubara, et al. (2013), Formation mechanism of extension fractures induced by excavation in soft sedimentary rock, Science
direct, vol. 4,105-111.
[6] Zuo Jianping, Wang Zhaofeng, et al. (2013), Failure behavior of a rock-coal-rock combined body with a weak coal interlayer, International Journal of Rock
Mechanics & Mining Sciences, Science direct-Elsevier, vol. 3,907-912.
[7] IS:-9143-1979:- Method for the determination of unconfined compressive strength of rock materials.
[8] IS:-9179- 200:-, Method for preparation of rock specimen for laboratory testing.
[9] IS:-9179- 200:-, Method for preparation of rock specimen for laboratory testing.
[10] IS:-11315 (part 2)-1987:- Methods for quantitative description in discontinuous rock mass.
[11] IS:-13030-1991, Method of test for laboratory determination of Water content, porosity, density and Related properties of rock material.
[12] IS:-13047-2010, Method for determination of strength of rock materials in tri-axial compression.

All rights reserved by www.ijste.org

124